Last week, we had the opportunity to test the all-new 2024 Husqvarna TE150. This bike comes with numerous updates, including a new chassis, motor, electronic powervalve, and throttle body fuel injection system. When we look at the history of this bike, we can see that Husqvarna has been making adjustments to its purpose. The first version of the Husky 150 in 2017 was a carbureted two-stroke with both a kickstarter and an electric starter. It entered the market at the end of the 200cc two-stroke era in the U.S. However, it wasn’t the best replacement for a 200, as it lacked low-end power and smooth power delivery. It did have a good motor for racing and performed well on motocross tracks with some suspension modifications. The 2020 version had transfer port injection, which improved things a bit, but still didn’t meet the expectations of fans of the old 200cc bikes. Now, with the new TBI motor, the Husqvarna TE150 is a more legitimate option for those riders.
This motor is loosely based on the Husky TC125 motocross bike from last year. It is one of the most computerized dirt bikes on the market, with the powervalve, spark advance, and fuel delivery all controlled by a complex matrix of programming tied to rpm and throttle opening. It also employs various sensors for temperature, gear positions, and air density, making it highly advanced. The cylinder, head, and displacement have been modified from the TC125 to provide an off-road powerband, and the six-speed gearbox has different gear ratios.
The chassis of the TE150 is also new, with the major highlight being the WP Xact coil-spring fork, replacing the open-cartridge Xplor fork of the previous model. The new fork has structural and valving differences compared to the Xact air fork, making it more suitable for off-road riding. The rear suspension features an Xplor shock connected via linkage, which is slightly less advanced than the one on the TC125. Both bikes share the same spring rates. The TE150 also comes with Braktec components for the brakes and hydraulics. With a larger fuel tank, a headlight, a kickstand, and an 18-inch rear wheel, the TE150 is slightly heavier than a typical 125 two-stroke, weighing 220 pounds without fuel. It’s also more expensive than a 125 two-stroke, with a price tag of $10,199.
On the trail, the TE150 doesn’t ride like a typical 125. It has impressive low-end power, allowing you to confidently open the throttle even at idle without any hesitation. It performs well on rocky uphill trails and doesn’t require clutch covering to prevent stalling. In many ways, it feels like a miniature 300 two-stroke. Although it doesn’t possess the same level of pulling power as a larger bike, its overall behavior is quite similar. The mid-range power delivery is fairly strong, resembling that of a 125cc bike, but it lacks the peak power and revs necessary for motocross tracks. The TE150 does feature a map switch, like other recent Husqvarna two-strokes, but its purpose is different. The green map on the TE150 enriches the fuel mixture slightly, which proves useful when riding in sand or under heavy load conditions.
The suspension of the TE150 is highly praised. The new fork is a significant improvement over the previous version and may even outperform the Xact air fork. The TE150 is stiffer than its predecessor, making it well-suited for aggressive off-road riding with intermediate or expert riders weighing over 150 pounds. However, younger riders transitioning to a larger bike might find the suspension a bit firm. So, who is this bike for? In summary, the TE150 is an excellent all-around off-road bike suitable for riders of all ages. Older riders typically gravitate towards larger bikes, but the TE150 would be a better choice for 90 percent of the trails they ride. Its agility and easy handling contribute to a sense of improvement in riding skills. The only areas where it might struggle are open spaces and steep hills, where the power advantage of 300cc and 450cc bikes becomes apparent. For a more comprehensive review, check out the November 2023 print edition of Dirt Bike, available at newsstands.
NEXT UP: KTM 300SX
We also have the KTM 300SX in our garage, which will be our next testing subject. It’s interesting how people say modern 450cc bikes are too powerful for average riders, but we didn’t hear the same about 250cc two-strokes in the past. Nowadays, 250cc two-strokes are considered more challenging to ride compared to 450cc bikes. The 300SX is potentially easier to handle than a well-built 250cc two-stroke, but only in its mildest setting. The bike features a map switch on the handlebar, allowing riders to completely alter its personality. We’ll dive deeper into this subject next week and provide an upcoming video review on Dirt Bike’s YouTube channel.
MOTOCROSS IS LIVE AGAIN!
This weekend, the 2023 Pro Motocross Championship heads to Central New York for Round 9 at Unadilla MX, known as the Honda Unadilla National. Exciting events are anticipated, such as Barcia’s return, Jett potentially clinching, and Deegan just being Deegan. The entire event will be streamed live on Peacock, with uninterrupted coverage starting at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. International viewers can enjoy the exclusive coverage through SuperMotocross Video Pass. NBC will also air the second motos on network television, showcasing the on-track action of the final 450 Class and 250 Class races without interruptions, beginning at 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET. It’s important to note that the race order at Unadilla has been adjusted, with the 450 class racing first, followed by the 250 class. Unadilla is one of the oldest national motocross venues. For more details, refer to the history book:
RANDOM HARD-DRIVE SEARCH
Remember when Travis Pastrana was a motocross/supercross star? He won the 125 National Championship in 2000 and the 125 East Supercross title in 2001. Unfortunately, injuries prevented him from further success in the sport. However, he later excelled in freestyle, NASCAR, Rally car, and many other areas. It’s interesting to think about what might have happened if he had continued in motocross. One thing’s for sure: he wouldn’t have achieved as much.
KAWASAKI TURNS 70
Kawasaki Motors is celebrating its 70th anniversary in September 2023. The company first entered the motorcycle industry in 1953, initially producing motorcycle engines under the name “Kawasaki Machine Works.” Today, Kawasaki motorcycles are sold in over 90 countries and regions worldwide.
To honor Kawasaki Motorcycles’ 70-year milestone, special exhibitions will be held at Kawasaki USA Heritage Hall in Foothill Ranch, California, and Kawasaki Good Times World in Kobe, Japan, starting in September 2023. These displays will focus on the history of Kawasaki’s motorcycle business in the U.S. market, which marked a significant turning point in the company’s global strategy. The exhibitions are part of a series of events planned to commemorate this special anniversary.
That’s it for this week. See you next time!
